How Much Does “Saturday Night Live” Gang Get Paid? The Answer Might Surprise You
Hey, curious cats and celebrity salary sleuths! Ever wonder what kind of cash the “Saturday Night Live” crew is raking in? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the financials of our favorite late-night laugh factory, and it’s a wild ride.
Think the SNL gang is rolling in dough for keeping us entertained every single weekend? Well, it’s a bit more nuanced than that. While some of the cast are laughing all the way to the bank, how fat that bank account gets is all about tenure—yep, it’s all about the long game here.
Rookie Year Riches
Kicking off their SNL career, the fresh faces earn a sweet $7,000 for each episode they grace. With around 21 episodes a season, these rookies can wrap up the year with a cool $147,000. Not exactly chump change, right? It’s a solid start for bringing the laughs, and it only gets better from here. Keep those giggles coming, and the bank account keeps growing.
Season Two Glow-Up
Made it through the SNL gauntlet and returned for round two? Congrats, you’ve just unlocked a raise! Now we’re talking $8,000 per episode, summing up to a handsome $168,000 for the season. This bump up is like a high-five from the universe for surviving the cutthroat comedy arena. Stick around, make ’em laugh, and watch that salary climb.
The Fabulous Fifth
Fast forward to year five, and things start to look seriously sweet. Cast members now bag $15,000 per show, which balloons to a jaw-dropping $315,000 annually. Imagine that—halfway to a cool million just for your fifth anniversary. By now, stars like Michael Che aren’t just faces on SNL; they’re cashing in on movie deals and brand endorsements left, right, and center. Fame does have its perks, right?
Top of the SNL Food Chain
Now for the big leagues: SNL’s top talents can snag up to $25,000 per episode. We’re talking a potential $525,000 a year for the show’s stalwarts like Colin Jost, Kate McKinnon, and Cecily Strong. But wait, there’s more—Kenan Thompson, the undoubted king of longevity, potentially pockets a mind-blowing $2-3 million per year. His secret? Years of making Saturday nights unforgettable and probably some savvy salary negotiations.
What About the Hosts?
Diving into the hosting gig? SNL doesn’t skimp on its guest stars, either. Justin Timberlake let slip he pocketed $5,000 for his hosting duties, dubbing it the best payday TV can offer. Hosting SNL isn’t just another job; it’s a coveted spot in entertainment history, and even for stars of Timberlake’s caliber, it’s an offer you don’t refuse.
And the Cameos?
Yep, even guest stars like Alec Baldwin, who popped in as Donald Trump, snagged $1,400 for his appearances. It might seem modest for stars of their caliber, but hey, it’s SNL—we’re talking about a badge of honor here.
So, there you have it! Whether it’s their first year or they’re SNL royalty, there’s plenty of dough to go around. Just goes to show, making millions laugh every Saturday night? Priceless.
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